2014 World Cup Power Rankings of the 16 Remaining Teams

World Cup Power Rankings of the 16 Remaining Teams

Getty Images

The World Cup started out with 32 teams and only 16 remain. These teams played well enough to get out of their group, but let's be honest, some groups were infinitely tougher than others. Regardless, the teams did what they had to to be a part of the top 16. Find out how each team stacks up in the new power rankings.

16. Greece

Getty Images

16. Greece

Getty Images

Of the 16 qualified teams, Greece were the least convincing of the bunch. They were easily beaten by Colombia, barely hung on to a tie against Japan and beat Ivory Coast on a last-second penalty. They showed very little in all three games and have a tough task ahead of them with Costa Rica.

15. Nigeria

Getty Images

15. Nigeria

Getty Images

While they showed signs of life on offense against Argentina, Nigeria's performance against Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina left much to be desired. Their defense looked terrible in all three games, and their offense was extremely underwhelming. They'll be huge underdogs against France.

14. Algeria

Getty Images

14. Algeria

Getty Images

One of the biggest surprises of the group stage was Algeria advancing before Russia and South Korea. They showed great teamwork in their passing and were led by Sofiane Feghouli and Islam Slimani up front. Unfortunately, their hopes to continue in the Cup are small with Germany as their next opponent.

13. Switzerland

Getty Images

13. Switzerland

Getty Images

The Swiss national team is known for its organized defense and swift counterattacks. And while that was seen against Ecuador and Honduras, they were demolished by France. Was their game against France a fluke or were the other two games a fluke? We'll likely get a clear answer in their game against Argentina.

12. Uruguay

Getty Images

12. Uruguay

Getty Images

Uruguay would be higher in the rankings if it weren't for the idiotic antics of Luis Suarez. They are a completely different team without Suarez, as can be seen in their 3-1 defeat against Costa Rica. While they still have good players, they will struggle against Colombia without their star striker.

11. USA

Getty Images

11. USA

Getty Images

Just some months ago, few gave the USMNT any chance of advancing from the Group of Death. But today, with a huge amount of character and heart, the USA is in the round of 16. If they play like they did against Portugal, they have a very good chance against Belgium. But if we see the same team that played against Germany and Ghana, they should start packing their bags now.

10. Belgium

Getty Images

10. Belgium

Getty Images

Belgium came in to the tournament as a dark horse contender. And although they were at the top of their group, what they've shown on the field isn't what anyone expected. The build-up is slow, the defense commits errors and the finishing isn't there. Regardless, with players like Hazard and Fellaini, Belgium can change a game at the drop of a hat.

9. Mexico

Getty Images

9. Mexico

Getty Images

Mexico were able to finally revert the terrible image they left during the World Cup qualifiers. With Miguel Herrera at the helm, they've become a team that values possession of the ball and has a dangerous direct-passing system. While they have a tough match against Netherlands, their performance against Brazil proved that they've got what it takes to hang with the best of them.

8. Costa Rica

Getty Images

8. Costa Rica

Getty Images

By far, the biggest surprise of the group stage came in the form of Costa Rica's domination of their group. Coach Jorge Luis Pinto is a tactical mastermind and his players aren't too shabby either. They have a big chance of defeating Greece to go on to the quarterfinals and could be this year's Cinderella story.

7. Chile

Getty Images

7. Chile

Getty Images

Much like in the 2010 World Cup, Chile have amazed viewers with fun, fast-paced soccer against quality competition. They eliminated the now-former World Cup champions and gave Netherlands a huge amount of trouble. They have the tall task of eliminating Brazil on their own turf, but if there's a team that could do it, it's Chile.

6. Argentina

Getty Images

6. Argentina

Getty Images

Argentina's performances on the field have been extremely lackluster. In all three of their games, they've depended on brilliant plays from Lionel Messi to save them from ties or losses. That said, Lio Messi is the best player in the world, and having him on your team will always make you a contender, no matter how bad the rest of the team plays.

5. Colombia

Getty Images

5. Colombia

Getty Images

Led by James Rodriguez, Colombia have been one of the most impressive teams in the tournament. While their group was much easier than others, it's no reason to take credit away from the great defense, creative midfield and deadly forwards that Colombia boast. They will be considered favorites against Uruguay.

4. Germany

Getty Images

4. Germany

Getty Images

Outside of a mistake-filled tie against Ghana, Germany easily took care of their group. They managed to keep Cristiano Ronaldo quiet and dominated the USMNT in their game. They have a relatively easy draw with Algeria up next and can use that momentum to go all the way in Brazil.

3. France

Getty Images

3. France

Getty Images

Scoring five goals on the Swiss defense is no easy task, but the French national team made it look like a piece of cake. France took care of their relatively easy group through the fantastic play of Blaise Matuidi, Mathieu Valbuena and Karim Benzema. All signs point to France being in the top four of the World Cup.

2. Brazil

Getty Images

2. Brazil

Getty Images

No matter how bad the Brazilian attack may seem, they will always be considered contenders. They're on home territory, finally have world-class defenders in Thiago Silva and David Luiz and have a shining star in Neymar. Their match against Chile won't be simple, but they'll be heavy favorites going into it.

1. Netherlands

Getty Images

1. Netherlands

Getty Images

After a fantastic group stage, Netherlands must be considered the favorite to take it all. Not only did they beat Spain, they annihilated them. They have an extremely organized defense and the absolute best counter-attacking duo in Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben. They have what seems like an easy match with Mexico, but games aren't played on paper; they're played on the field.